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Look-Alike Drugs

The widespread use of illegal drugs among teenagers has helped generate a market for fake drugs. These look-alike drugs are intentionally made to look like amphetamines, barbiturates or other often-abused drugs. They are sold on the street and by mail order, and the seller often implies that they are the illegal drugs they resemble.

The look-alikes generally contain decongestants, caffeine, and other stimulants in what FDA has called dangerous illogical combinations. Some contain alarmingly high doses of one ingredient. When taken in excess or mixed with alcohol, the look-alikes have caused strokes and death. They are extremely dangerous when mixed with, or replaced by real uppers or downers.

The availability and use of look-alikes make it harder for health professionals and law enforcement officials to combat the problem of illegal drug use. The American Medical Association (AMA) points out the following problems caused by look-alikes:

• School children and others who don't normally abuse drugs are told that the look-alikes are okay to use because they are legal and safe (in fact they are neither).
• Look-alike drugs may make youngsters believe that the illegal drugs they mimic aren't as potent and dangerous as they really are.
• Traditional drug abuse education programs are hampered by the wide availability of the imitation drugs.
• Physicians and poison centers are deceived by the fake drugs, which makes drug-related diagnoses difficult.
• The look-alikes make it even more difficult for law enforcement officials to stop illegal drug traffic.

Most states have banned the manufactured and marketing of look-alikes, and the federal government has taken action against some manufacturers. But the availability of look-alike drugs is still a threat to the health and safety of teenagers.

For More Information
If you have questions about a product or company, get answers before you make a purchase, For information, contact:

• The Better Business Bureau
• The nearest Food and Drug Administration office
• Your local consumer office or state attorney general's office
• Your doctor

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Source:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA Consumer
February 1988, Revised April 1990
Department of Health and Human Services
Public Health Service
DHHS Publication No. (FDA) 90-1147
www.cfsan.fda.gov

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